Bucs sign fourth-round pick Jackson

Safety Tanard Jackson, a fourth-round selection from Syracuse, became the first of the Bucs' 10 draft picks to sign with the team.

Terms of the deal were not released. Jackson's signing was announced by the team Friday, one day after the Bucs concluded their mandatory minicamp.

A three-year starter for Syracuse at cornerback, Jackson is making the transition to safety. He played in 45 career games for the Orangemen, with 34 starts, 165 tackles, five interceptions, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 14 passes defensed.

The Bucs also released fullback Jon Goldsberry, receiver Efrem Hill, cornerback Chaz Williams and tight end C.J. Leak, the brother of former Florida quarterback Chris Leak.

Typically, general manager Bruce Allen waits until July to begin signing draft picks. But many of the league's other fourth rounders have signed, making it easier to reach a deal with Jackson.

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